Trump headlines NYC fundraiser despite backlash for Muslim proposal

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., condemned Donald Trump's proposal to bar Muslims from entering the United States, but he could benefit from the billionaire's special guest status at a fundraiser Friday afternoon.

The Commonwealth Club luncheon, hosted by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, took place at the upscale Plaza Hotel in New York City and was billed as an opportunity for deep-pocketed donors to hear more from the Republican front-runner. Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Rob Gleason made clear it was not an endorsement of Trump.

Tickets to the luncheon started at $1,000, but attendees could contribute up to $10,000 for a table of 10 or $2,500 to attend a VIP photo op with Trump before the event began.

Megan Sweeney, a spokeswoman for the state Republican Party, told local media the party plans to put the total sum raised off the luncheon toward its operations.